About Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach: Fun at the Edge of the Reef

Airlie Beach - known as Airlie by the friendly locals - is an up-and-coming holiday destination. This town used to be a backpacker's pass-through point, with quaint accommodations, a slow, friendly atmosphere and a nice setting for a laid-back holiday; however, this is now a popular destination that sees a huge influx of visitors each year. While still friendly, Airlie Beach provides a much more fast-paced holiday environment and includes resort-style accommodations, lots of activity and plenty of places to have fun. That is not to say that there are not lower-key holiday rentals in town, though. Even backpackers are still more than comfortable in Airlie Beach. As the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, the great weather throughout the year and the warm crystal-clear blue waters, Airlie Beach is a fantastic place to visit when in Queensland, Australia.

Natural Beauty

Sure, there is plenty of hustle and bustle to keep you busy while in Airlie Beach; meanwhile, the natural setting of the town provides unbeatable scenery. Looking over the Whitsunday Passage, Conway National Park is an incredible place to spend the day exploring. The beautiful park contains protected rainforest, waterfalls and walking paths that range from easy to moderately difficult. Camping is permitted in Conway National Park, though there are no designated camping areas, and it must be done in the bush. Make the hike up the Hill Inlet, and marvel at the white sand and stunning blue water views. The views are simply unmatched from Hill Inlet, so do not forget your camera. For scenery and activity, head to Airlie Beach Lagoon. This destination is ideal for those with children, as there are safe shallow waters and plenty of space to move around and play. Bring a picnic along, and watch the sun set over the water.

In-town Amenities

Airlie Beach's central business district is truly booming. Window shop at one of the many boutique stores, or pop into one of the convenience stores to grab some supplies. Whether you are looking for clothing, home goods, groceries or medicine, the stores of Airlie Beach have what you need. After your shopping excursion, pop into one of the restaurants, bistros or cafes in downtown Airlie Beach, and sample some delicious food. From high-end cuisine to down-home cooking, every taste is accommodated in Airlie Beach. The nightlife scene in Airlie Beach is also strong, with bars and nightclubs providing lots of fun after the sun goes down.

Treat Yourself

During your stay, renew your body and your spirit by having a relaxing day at one of Airlie Beach's spas. Individuals, couples and large groups of friends are equally comfortable at the spas here, and there are options to suit every need. After your long days of exploring, a massage is a great way to relax your body and prepare for the next adventure. Restore the luster to your skin and hair after a hard day out in the sun with one of the spas' personalized treatments. During your spa day, make sure to ask about rooms with views, as they add to the relaxing atmosphere.

Get in the Water

The Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands are just minutes off the coast of Airlie Beach, and this gives you access to any number of water activities. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular options in these locations, with the colourful marine life and unmatched underwater scenery. Take a sailing tour around the Whitsunday Islands to see everything this paradise has to offer. While out in the water, do not forget to stop by Heart Reef, a natural coral formation in the Great Barrier Reef. Other popular water activities in and around Airlie Beach include stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and jet skiing. There are numerous tours through the gorgeous blue waters, including one-of-a-kind submarine tours.

Holidays in Airlie Beach

With myriad attractions, beachside ambiance and offerings for land and water lovers, there is something for every visitor in Airlie Beach. The town is easy to get to using Proserpine Airport, and from here, there are shuttles and taxis to take you your holiday abode.